The Coleman-James Aviation Academy
The Coleman-James Aviation Academy is dedicated to preparing the next generation of civilian pilots while supporting transitioning military aviators as they pursue civilian aviation careers.
Elizabeth "Bessie" Coleman
General Daniel "Chappie" James
Mission Statement
The mission of The Coleman-James Aviation Academy is to recruit, educate, train, mentor, and equip aspiring aviators with the knowledge, skills, and credentials necessary to pursue careers within the aviation industry.
Our Team
Ms. Tanya Crayton
Tanya Crayton serves as a Project Manager for the Coleman-James Aviation Academy (CJAA), where she helps lead strategic planning, program development, resource management, and operational execution in support of the Academy's mission to develop the next generation of aviation professionals.
With more than 35 years of executive-level leadership and management experience in the U.S. military and government civilian sectors, Tanya brings extensive expertise in project management, organizational leadership, workforce development, and process improvement. As a retired U.S. Air Force and Air National Guard veteran, she has successfully led complex programs, managed multidisciplinary teams, and implemented mission-critical initiatives throughout her distinguished career.
In her role with CJAA, Tanya is committed to expanding access to aviation education, mentoring aspiring aviators, and helping create sustainable pathways for students pursuing careers in aviation. Her passion for community engagement, youth development, and professional mentorship aligns directly with the Academy's vision of addressing the nation's growing demand for qualified pilots and aviation professionals.
Tanya holds a Master of Public Administration in Human Resources from Trident University and a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Columbia College. She currently works as a Lead Configuration Manager and remains actively involved in community service, veteran advocacy, and leadership development initiatives throughout Georgia.
Lt Col. Bernard Wesley
Bernard Wesley serves as a Deputy Mission Support Group Commander, providing strategic leadership, operational oversight, and mission-focused guidance developed through 28 years of distinguished military service. Drawing upon a unique background as both an infantryman and civil engineer, Bernard brings extensive expertise in complex program management, project execution, organizational leadership, and infrastructure sustainment.
This diverse experience enables Bernard to effectively bridge tactical operational requirements with large-scale planning and resource management initiatives to enhance mission readiness and operational effectiveness. In this role, Bernard leads efforts to optimize installation support functions, strengthen base operations, and ensure the successful execution of critical mission requirements. Beyond professional responsibilities, Bernard is committed to mentoring the next generation of military professionals and leaders while supporting initiatives that promote growth, excellence, and service.
Mr. Joe Washington, CFI, CFII, MEI
Joseph Washington brings more than three decades of distinguished aviation, military, and leadership experience to the Flight & Ground Training Programs Board of Directors, where he is committed to developing the next generation of aviation professionals. As the Outreach, Recruitment, and Assistant Flight and Ground Training Manager for the Coleman-James Aviation Academy, Joseph works tirelessly to build meaningful partnerships throughout the community. By connecting with local business owners, educators, civic leaders, and military commanders—both past and present—he creates opportunities that inspire young people to pursue rewarding careers in aviation while strengthening the Academy's impact throughout the region.
In addition to his leadership within the Academy, Joseph serves as an instructor pilot at Middle Georgia State University, where he mentors aspiring aviators through some of the most important milestones of their flight training. He currently provides personalized flight instruction to students earning their Private Pilot, Instrument, and Commercial Pilot certificates. His patient teaching style, technical expertise, and genuine passion for aviation allow him to guide students with confidence while helping them develop the knowledge, discipline, and professionalism required for successful aviation careers.
Joseph retired from the United States Air Force as an Air Battle Manager after an accomplished career spanning more than 30 years in military aviation. His experience includes service as both an enlisted communications maintenance specialist and a commissioned officer specializing in Command and Control, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C2ISR). Throughout his military career, he accumulated more than 700 combat flight hours supporting operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, in addition to completing two ground deployments approximately 60 miles north of Baghdad. These experiences shaped his exceptional leadership, strategic decision-making, and unwavering commitment to service—qualities he now brings to every student, partnership, and community initiative.
Joseph's educational achievements reflect his lifelong dedication to learning and excellence. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics from Johnson C. Smith University and a Master of Science in Aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide Campus. He also holds numerous Federal Aviation Administration certifications, including Private Pilot, Instrument Rating, Multi-Engine Commercial Pilot, and Certified Flight Instructor credentials. As a board member, educator, mentor, and community advocate, Joseph is passionate about opening doors for future aviators and ensuring that every aspiring pilot has access to the guidance, opportunities, and encouragement needed to achieve their dreams.
Mr. Marlos Davis, CFI, AGI
Marlos Davis is the Founder, Owner of Charlie Tango Alpha Aviation and the Visionary behind the Coleman-James Aviation Academy (CJAA), a workforce development initiative dedicated to expanding access to aviation education, training, mentorship, and career opportunities. A 23-year United States Air Force veteran, Marlos brings extensive strategic leadership experience from Command-staff, A-staff and Career-field leadership positions throughout the Air Force, Air Force Reserve and Headquarters Air Force Reserve Command. His career is saturated with impact, as he repeatedly led complex teams, projects and programs, developed innovative solutions, and advanced organizational effectiveness.
A lifelong aviation enthusiast, Marlos understands firsthand the importance of access, exposure, and opportunity. After overcoming personal barriers that once made becoming a pilot seem unattainable, he founded Charlie Tango Alpha Aviation to provide others with the guidance, resources, and support needed to pursue their own aviation dreams. This vision became the foundation for CJAA and its mission to develop the next generation of aviation professionals.
Inspired by the courage, character and moral principles, that are the embodied legacies of Elizabeth “Bessie” Coleman and General Daniel “Chappie” James, Marlos is committed to preserving and advancing their historical contributions by creating opportunities for current and future generations. He believes leadership is not about simply observing and conforming to the world around us, instead its about harnessing the courage and nonnegotiable principles to positively influence and shape the world through service, empowerment, and mentorship - to make it better for everyone.
A summa cum laude graduate, Marlos holds a Master of Business Administration in Information Technology from Trident University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Professional Aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Marlos is also a graduate of the Executive Leadership Program at Graduate School USA, Washington, D.C. He is a Certified Flight Instructor, Commercial Pilot, and Advanced Ground Instructor.
Guided by the belief that “we make a living by what we earn, but we make a life by what we pour into others,” Marlos dedicates his work to serving others, nurturing relationships, and building a lasting legacy of opportunity for all, to advance aviation.